Communication Apprehension Among Autistic Professionals

Abstract

Prior research has shown that stress and anxiety are commonly reported by autistic adults in social-communication situations in their personal and professional lives. Yet, little research exists to demonstrate the extent and nature of communication apprehension in the workplace among autistic professionals. This survey study of 324 autistic professionals showed that autistic professionals experience high communication apprehension, particularly in comparison to the general population. As communication situations become less predictable, autistic professionals tended to disproportionately experience higher communication apprehension.